It was no surprise when head coach Bobby Bowden announced during the weekly booster luncheon that Xavier Lee would be the starting quarterback for this Saturday's NC State game. Last Saturday, the junior signal-caller sparked the offense to 21 second half points in leading FSU to a victory over the a previously ranked Alabama team.

Prior to Lee's entrance early in the second quarter, the offense managed just three first downs, no points and 82 total yards. After he entered the game, the offense showed a little more spark and then really started clicking in the third quarter. As a result of the strong offensive showing in the second half, FSU recorded its biggest win of the season and Lee, and his teammates, finally have something to smile about.

"These last couple of days have been fun," Lee said. "It has been nice to put in some calls to back home and see how excited people are and to just look at my teammates and see how happy they are. It seems like somewhat the team is rejuvenated and I think as a team we are on the right path."

A little over a year ago, Lee was in a similar position after a strong outing at Maryland in week eight. After filling in for an injured Drew Weatherford, he earned two more starts but didn't capitalize on the opportunity. After having a year to mature and grow, Lee anticipates and different outcome this time around.

"The difference is that I am more focused on the team and just focusing on each play and my role of getting the ball in everyone else's hands and watching them make plays and just being more of a vocal leader and just do what I can," he said. "Do my part to help us win."